Frequently Asked Questions

How do we start working together?

The first step is to contact us through the contact form on our website, send us an email at Info@InnovatusDesign.com, or call us at 312.798.9660. (Website inquiries and emails are typically the best way to reach us the fastest.) You can include as much or as little information about your project as you’re comfortable with. Once we receive your inquiry, we will respond to schedule a phone call to discuss your project.

What should I be prepared to talk about the first time we have a call together?

Our first call together will be a friendly conversation where your questions get answered, and we discuss what you’d like to accomplish with your project. Often, we discuss your project goals, preferred timeline, if you have a budget in mind for the project, and any aesthetic preferences.

What is the process when working with your interior design firm?

I love this question because each design firm works differently. We are a one-stop shop for everything that goes into your home. Once you reach out, we schedule a call to discuss your project. This is when your questions are answered, and you get to share your project goals and what you’re looking to achieve.

If we’re mutually a good fit to work together, we schedule a Design Consultation/Needs Analysis meeting. This first meeting is a paid meeting where we spend 1-2 hours together in your home discussing the project in more detail.
This meeting provides our team with the information needed to create a Scope of Work for your project. The Scope of Work outlines the services and deliverables you’ll receive from our design firm as well as the design services pricing.

Often, we include multiple options for design services in the Scope of Work. Once you select the option you’d like to move forward with, you’ll receive the design agreement and design services deposit invoice. Both of these are handled online to keep the process streamlined so you don’t have to hunt for a check or a stamp.

Once the Design Agreement is signed and the deposit invoice is paid, we schedule an appointment to gather measurements for the areas we’re working with. Measurements are often gathered through our scanning technology and manual measurements for critical areas.
Once the measurements are completed, we get everything loaded into AutoCAD, and then we can make the design magic happen! The length of time for design ranges from project to project, but typically takes 4-8 weeks for most projects.
Once the design is ready, we present the design to you!

You may approve the design at the design presentation meeting, or we may need to make a couple of adjustments. Once the design is solidified, we schedule the contractor walk-through. During the contractor walk-through, we explain the scope of work to the contractor so they can price the labor for the project.

Once labor pricing is in and approved, then we get on their schedule and begin ordering the products needed to create the new space. Innovatus Design provides the materials, including cabinetry, flooring, tile, plumbing, lighting, wallpaper, window treatments, furniture, and accessories to bring the home together.

We’re with you throughout the entire project, coordinating with the contractor on site, and working through resolutions as needed.

Once we’re done, you’ll have a home you love!

How are your design fees structured?

Our fee structure is streamlined and simple. We charge flat fees for our interior design services so you don’t have to worry about hours racking up or how long a task takes. We prefer to keep the focus on the design throughout the project, and a flat fee structure keeps everyone focused on what’s most important: getting you the home you love.

You charge flat fees for design, but what if I request a revision to the project? Is there a charge for revisions?

Great question! We include a round of revisions in our design agreements. Most of our clients don’t exceed the revision allowance noted in the agreement. If something needs to be revised, our team is trained to ask specific questions so the resolution is a home run.

Do we have to use your contractor?

Successful trade partnerships contribute to successful projects. We have several preferred contractors we’d love to refer to you. These are professionals that have already been vetted and we know have a strong track record in their respective trades. If you already have a contractor you would like to do the work, we’re more than happy to partner with them as well!

Can I use an existing piece of furniture and keep sentimental pieces?

Of course! We often have clients who have a piece or several pieces they would like to see incorporated into their new space.

Isn’t an interior designer expensive? What if I can’t afford you?

Hiring an interior designer is an upfront cost in a project that protects your investment. There are thousands of details and decisions that go into a project, and getting the details wrong can easily cost thousands of dollars. Often, our clients save money by hiring us. The point in hiring us is to make sure that your project is coordinated professionally, built to be code compliant, and to be sure the details are covered so you’re protected. Many of our clients become addicted to working with us and wouldn’t dream of tackling a project without us.

I don’t need full-service interior design; do you have another option for us to work together?

If our full-service design fee is outside of your comfort level or budget, we do offer limited Design on the Fly sessions. These are working meetings to give you a push in the right direction so you can implement the project yourself. We spend 90-120 minutes in a collaborative working session where I design on the fly, and you offer real-time feedback. These sessions are not nearly as in-depth as full-service interior design, but they are great for people who like to DIY or are on a limited budget.

How much do you get involved in?

A better question is what don’t we get involved in? We complete site verification, space plan layouts, can design the exterior of the house, get into the details and technical specifications for lighting, select all the colors and materials for your project, select all the furniture and accessories, detail cabinetry, plan outdoor living spaces, design and select the millwork, trim, and casework detailing. We also walk the contractor through the scope of the project, conduct a post-demo site review, conduct electrical walkthroughs, and coordinate countertop installations and wall treatment installations. We coordinate deliveries to the site and make sure that everyone is on the same page for the project. We’re your advocate from the beginning of the project through to when you’re settled.